Ventless fireplace giving gas odor...HELP!!

[pparekhnc]

We have a ventless (Flame-Max) fireplace installed in our condo, but when running it still have an intense natural gas odor after running it for 5 minutes.

1. We have already tried a "break-in period" to cure the logs.
2. We had a professional come out to inspect for debris/clogs/leaks. None found.

Has anyone had the same problem, and could there be a leak behind the wall where the gas line comes in? It is a new construction condo, and others in our bldg do not have this problem at all.

Thank you in advance for your help. I really do appreciate it.

[Speedy Jim]

Call the gas utility; they will usually come out (no chg) and sniff out any leaks, or offer suggestions if there is no gas leak. Jim

[Eric]

When you say "a professional" do you mean the contractor who put it in, the condo people? If so they have a desire (vested interest) not to have anything wrong so they will tend to shrug off things. Call your gas company, have them come look at it, or call a company that specializes in gas appliances like furnaces, fireplaces, dryers and such. Gas odor is a bad thing, be very very carefull. Eric

[Alan]

My gas company has a policy of coming and checking for leaks immediately when you call them and tell them you even think you smell gas. They have test equipment to locate any leaks.

[Pick]

Eric wrote in :

I'll second that. When I lived in an apartment complex, I had an odor of gas in my kitchen. Maintenance came out a half dozen times and pronounced no leak each time. The night before I was due to move out, the smell go a i little stronger and we call the gas company. Turned out there was a leak, and the pronounced the place uninhabitable. It stayed that way for about a month because the gas lines were so old the gas company wouldn't approve it until they were all replaced.

Pick

[default]

This is only happening when you're actually running the fireplace, right? So my first guess is that somewhere there's a jet that isn't getting completely burnt.

Personally, I get headaches around ventless fireplaces even when they're working properly.. I hate the damn things.

[John Galbreath Jr.]

First, look at the set up in the installation manual, especially the log set up. Get a digital readout carbon monoxide (CO) detector, I prefer Nighthawk, and check for CO which could be from improper setup. Note: there is a slight odor associated with burning gas without a vent, but it is NOT a raw gas smell.

[Stormin Mormon]

What he said. Hey, if it was a recent appliance and it smells like gas now.... follow your nose. It always knows. Calling the gas co is a great idea.